Episode 67

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Published on:

3rd Jul 2025

Episode 67 - New Faces/New Places with Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet

With the off-season fully underway, no better way to address free agency and other significant league topics than with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Vic and Neil also chat about the Draft and wrap up the season with a special Human Side of the Story which gives a nod to some of our special listeners.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:09] - Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To focuses on a key free agent signing, the return to the Olympics for NHL players, a couple of areas of question within the extended CBA and, since it's the last show of the season, we've added a fourth item where a grizzled veteran is headed to the Rockies.

[10:29] - Elliotte Friedman joins the show and speaks about the foundation and growth of his podcast, 32 Thoughts, which started seven years ago.

[13:16] - With Nikolaj Ehlers and Brent Burns moving on, an initial update on Dmitry Orlov...Stay tuned.

[14:11] - Offer sheets made news a year ago when St. Louis corralled Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway from Edmonton. An update on Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram.

[16:25] - A deep discussion on the high price tag on certain NHL defensemen and the reasons behind it.

[22:16] - One deep discussion deserves another. Neil and Elliotte hit on tampering.

[26:48] - How 'bout some LTIR speak and teams circumventing the cap to sit players, saving cap space and acquiring additional assets?

[29:41] - A further update on Orlov.

[30:08] - Bill Zito's brilliance and the commitment players have to the Panthers franchise...a far cry from what it was like years ago.

[32:54] - Neil follows up on contracts given to players - such as Marchand - while allows teams to load up on term in order to free up cap space in the shorter term.

[35:47] - Kings GM Ken Holland has made several moves to bolster his new team however, some eyebrows are being raised. A deeper look at some other contracts raising questions.

[41:59] - The de-centralized Draft. A one-hit wonder.

[44:53] - Elliotte salutes retiring peer, Bob McKenzie.

[53:32] - Some broad strokes on the NHL Draft.

[1:00:25] - Other league news

[1:05:14] - The Human Side of the Story is about our viewers and listeners...with some fun mixed in.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/

NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

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About the Podcast

NHL Wraparound Podcast
Neil Smith & Vic Morren
Breadth and depth.
Contemporary and historical.
Straight-forward and experienced.
The NHL Wraparound podcast features Neil Smith, President-General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers and longtime ESPN/NHL veteran Vic Morren sharing no-nonsense opinions on news and issues around the National Hockey League.

Bringing decades of experience from their respective fields, Smith and Morren create a unique partnership that examines the NHL from multiple perspectives. Additionally, as hockey historians, the pair can delve into any topic in today’s game and enlighten the audience with connections to events from previous years. To truly appreciate where hockey stands today, one needs to understand its past.

With 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of the Rangers last championship season, a special five-part series is planned to commemorate that magical run. Expect fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and special guests with particular focus on the GM who pushed all of his chips into the middle of the table amidst the most pressurized environments – and came out on top.

Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned fan, each episode of NHL Wraparound will leave you entertained and informed.


Bio’s
Neil S. Smith, highly regarded NHL executive, served as the President and General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers. During his eleven years with the team, they achieved significant success, including three division titles, two Presidents’ Trophies, one Eastern Conference Championship, and a historic Stanley Cup victory—the franchise’s first in 54 years.

Known for his expertise in professional sports franchise economics, Smith played a pivotal role in management decisions under four different Rangers owners.. His tenure saw iconic trades and acquisitions, including Hall of Famers Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky, as well as successful drafts and free-agent signings.

Starting as a pro scout, Smith's career highlights include the impactful 1989 draft for the Detroit Red Wings and bold trades that shaped NHL history. He briefly served as GM for the New York Islanders in 2006, later working as a consultant for the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

A Toronto native, Smith's hockey journey began in junior leagues before a distinguished college career at Western Michigan University. He has received numerous awards and distinctions, including induction into the University's Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.

Vic Morren: Born in New York City close to the Old Madison Square Garden, Vic Morren has had hockey in his blood his entire life as a fan, player and television production manager.

A graduate of William Paterson University, Morren skated for three seasons with the Pioneers hockey club and became the first statistical analyst to apply his craft to telecasts working New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils games from 1984-87. He co-authored two NHL-based statistics books within that span before moving to ESPN in 1987 and working the final season of the original deal the network had with the NHL.
After departing in 1990, Morren worked as a studio producer for SportsChannel America’s NHL coverage and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before returning to ESPN that fall where he worked all 12 seasons on the second ESPN/NHL deal and the first season of the most recent contract in 2021-22. Morren has also earned a Sports Emmy for his work on Sunday Night Football coverage in 2003.

His relationship with Neil Smith dates back 33 years through their mutual friendship with the late ESPN/ABC commentator John Saunders. Morren looks forward to NHL Wraparound and collaborating with Smith with the goal to provide an experience of contemporary viewpoints, historical spin and an overall enriching podcast experience.